Alhaji Nojeem Jimoh is in all sincerity of purpose my dear egbon and confidant. Our relationship transcends decades with mutual respect, trust and the virtues of ‘Omoluabi’ being the thrust upon which our bond is built. Today, the least I can do is to join family, friends, associates and well wishers in celebrating a remarkable milestone — his 74th birthday.
For me, however, this is more than a celebration of age. It is an opportunity to celebrate an elder brother, a trusted confidant and a man whose life has been defined by wisdom, humility, integrity and a deep commitment to the wellbeing of others.
Alhaji Nojeem Jimoh is one of those rare individuals whose impact cannot be measured merely by the positions he has occupied or the accomplishments recorded against his name. His greatest contribution lies in the lives he has touched, the counsel he has offered and the relationships he has nurtured over the years.
I have had the privilege of knowing him closely, and I can testify to his qualities as an Egbon in the truest sense of the word.
He has consistently demonstrated the responsibilities that come with seniority — providing guidance when it is needed, offering encouragement when the road becomes difficult and speaking truth with courage, even when it may not be the easiest thing to say.
As a confidant, Alhaji Jimoh has also been exceptional. His discretion, sincerity and maturity have earned him the trust of many. He listens carefully, weighs issues thoughtfully and offers counsel without seeking to impose himself. His words are often measured, but they carry the weight of experience and wisdom.
At 74, therefore, Alhaji Nojeem Jimoh represents a generation whose values remain deeply relevant in today’s society. In an era when public life is sometimes characterised by impatience, self-interest and the pursuit of personal advantage, his example reminds us of the enduring virtues of loyalty, service, compassion and responsibility.
What I particularly cherish about him is his ability to combine firmness with warmth. He is a man who can disagree without becoming disagreeable and correct without humiliating. His approach to relationships reflects an understanding that true influence is not about how loudly one speaks, but about the trust and respect one commands.
Over the years, I have benefited immensely from his friendship, counsel and brotherly affection. There have been moments when a conversation with him provided clarity where there was confusion, reassurance where there was uncertainty and direction where difficult choices had to be made. For this, and for many other things that words may not adequately capture, I remain deeply grateful.
As he clocks 74, I celebrate not only the years behind him but also the legacy he continues to build. Seventy-four years is a significant journey, marked by experiences, challenges, accomplishments and lessons. It is also a reminder of God’s enduring grace and faithfulness.
My dear Egbon, on this special occasion, I pray that Almighty Allah continues to bless you with sound health, peace of mind, wisdom and renewed strength. May He preserve you, increase you in goodness and grant you many more years in the service of humanity and the glory of His name.
May the years ahead bring you greater fulfilment, joy and tranquillity. May your family continue to be a source of happiness, and may the positive seeds you have sown in the lives of people continue to yield abundant fruits.
Happy 74th birthday to an exceptional Egbon, a dependable confidant and a brother whose friendship I deeply value.
Alhaji Nojeem Jimoh, may Allah grant you many more years in good health and enduring peace.
Happy birthday, my dear Egbon!
• Amb. Tunji Isola, OFR, is former Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.
